Gończy Polski

Also called Polish Hunting Dog, Polish Hound

A steady, gentle and genuinely courageous hound that learns well.

Size	Medium
Weight	22 to 26 kg (49 to 57 lb)1
Height	50 to 59 cm (20 to 23 in)males 55 to 59 cm, females 50 to 55 cm2
Lifespan	10 to 13 years1
Coat	Short dense coat
Origin	Poland, especially the hilly and mountainous south and east.2 1
Group	FCI group 6

Recognised breedShort profile

brave and hard-working

calm and gentle

intelligent and trainable

Personality what they are like

A steady, gentle and genuinely courageous hound that learns well. It is not aggressive but keeps a watchful distance from strangers, so it also makes a good guardian. On the trail it gives voice, with females calling at a higher pitch.2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short dense coat

Harsh hair lying close to the skin over a generous undercoat that thickens in winter, with short, soft hair on the head and ears. The build is strong and athletic, made for long days on steep ground.2

Coloursblack and tanbrown and tanred2 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Gończy Polski. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A working scent hound bred to track game over difficult terrain, it needs plenty of daily exercise and scenting work.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance short coat; regular brushing, especially when the winter undercoat sheds.2

Home where they are happiest

Adaptable to different homes as long as its exercise needs are met.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.

Company who they like around

Responds well to confident, consistent guidance and enjoys working with its owner.1 2

The story where it all began

Hunting with scent hounds is recorded in Polish writing from the 13th century, and two distinct types were known by the 17th century. After near loss following the Second World War, Józef Pawlusiewicz (1903-1979) revived the breed and wrote its first standard; FCI recognition followed in 2017.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was only the fifth Polish breed to be recognised by the FCI.1
2
Females bay at a noticeably higher pitch than males when on a trail.2
3
It is used mainly on wild boar and deer, and in the southern mountains sometimes on fox and hare.2
4
Average litters are about seven puppies.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Gończy Polski' translates to 'Polish Hunting Dog' or 'Polish Hound'. The breed is a scent hound indigenous to Poland, traditionally used for hunting boar and deer in forested and mountainous terrain.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Józef Pawuslewicz Famous Polish cynologist who hunted with Polish scent hounds, wrote the first breed standard, and secured official registration of the breed.4

Name ideas for your new friend

ZosiaTadekKubaBasiaJulekWojtekLenaOlekHaniaMichałNelaStaszek

A day in the life told by a Gończy Polski

Dawn. I followed a fascinating trail through the woods, my nose glued to the ground. My human followed. We walked for hours, me singing happily. Saw a deer; it bounded away, and I watched with respect. Back home, I ate, then slept by the hearth, guarding my family's peace.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 354, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium sized hounds. Standard dated 2017; recognised by the FCI in 2017.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Recognised from 1 April 2024.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Gończy Polski, and at what times?

Feed your Gończy Polski at least two meals a day for adults, with consistent times like morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Adjust portions to keep a lean athletic shape, following the food label and your vet's advice.5

What should a Gończy Polski eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Your Gończy Polski should eat a complete balanced commercial diet suited to its size, age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always consult your vet for specific dietary needs.6

How often should I bathe a Gończy Polski?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe as needed, at least once every three months. Their short coat is low-maintenance and easy to care for.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Gończy Polski need brushing?

Brush your Gończy Polski weekly, as Pet Wiki recommends, and more often during shedding season. Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing.7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Gończy Polski's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Gończy Polski need?

Your Gończy Polski needs plenty of daily exercise and scenting work, as it is a high-energy working hound. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play. They thrive with active owners who can give them a job to do.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Gończy Polski's teeth and ears?

Brush your Gończy Polski's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check and dry their floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Gończy Polski live?

A Gończy Polski typically lives 10 to 13 years. With good care and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.1

Is a Gończy Polski good with children and other pets?

The Gończy Polski is described as steady and gentle, and not aggressive, so it can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized. However, it keeps a watchful distance from strangers. For specific advice, consult a good breeder.2 1

Can a Gończy Polski be left alone?

The Gończy Polski enjoys working with its owner and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It is adaptable but needs companionship. For specific guidance, ask a good breeder.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.